MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council will meet to discuss the county's commitment to future Velothon events after hosting sections of the 2016 race in May.

Around 12,000 cyclists took part in the race which saw 140km of roads closed off across South East Wales to accommodate the event.

Planning for Velothon 2017 by Run4Wales is reportedly well under way, with Monmouthshire the only county yet to confirm their continued support of the event.

The Welsh Government has entered a five-year contract with Velothon organisers to deliver an annual cycling event which encourages mass participation from professional, amateur and youth cyclists.

Despite being hailed as a general success, several concerns have been carried forward from this year's Velothon which will be discussed at council.

Road closures in Llanfoist and Usk were vocally criticised by residents of the two areas, with some claiming that they felt trapped in their homes.

According to the council report, Run4Wales are reviewing the highway closure times in Monmouthshire to enable them to be partially opened for a longer period of time between races.

Organisers are reportedly also keen to strengthen relationships with the communities most affected by the race and to encourage community participation on race days.

Improved toilet infrastructure has also been earmarked after reports of competitors urinating on the side of roads surfaced in the wake this year's event.

Other concerns that were highlighted in the report include litter problems as well as business engagement after several local business criticised the race as damaging their trade.

The council report reads: "Given the magnitude and scale of this event it is inevitable that communities will be disrupted, early engagement by the organisers will enable potential issues to be highlighted much earlier in the process and where possible mitigated.

"As a partnership we are keen to promote the opportunities that the Velothon can bring by providing opportunities for community events as well as commercial opportunities to promote Monmouthshire as a tourism and cycling destination."

The meeting at county council is scheduled for 2pm on Thursday July 28.